Tigers second-rower John Bateman insists he will be back for Wests in 2025, with the Warrington recruit to see out the remaining two years of his contract.
Wolves coach Sam Burgess has recently acquired the back-rower for their Super League finals blitz – but Bateman says he has no intention of staying in England.
“I have a contract there (at the Tigers), I have to honour my contract there,” Bateman said.
“They’ve given me an opportunity to obviously come over here and do what I do and I appreciate it from their end.
“Obviously it’s a big thing.”
The 30-year-old believes Wests granted his leave request due to the dismal state of their season, saying the club “didn’t have much to play for”.
“That’s probably why they were more keen to do it,” he said.
If Bateman can perform over the next 10 weeks, there’s no doubt Burgess will offer the veteran a contract to stay at Warrington, which could muddy the water on his future at Wests.
Burgess has just renewed his contract at the Wolves on a one-year extension.
Bulldogs take from Barcelona
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has taken a few mantras from the book ‘The Barcelona Way’, which details the rise of culture and success at La Liga football powerhouse Barcelona FC.
The publication, written by sports psychologist and professor Damian Hughes, has been a point of reference for the head coach as he navigates a new beginning for the Bulldogs.
“I have studied a lot of teams over the years and read about different cultures and one of my favourite books is about Barcelona Football Club and the way they have changed over time,” Ciraldo told the Daily Telegraph.
“Success leaves clues and Barcelona have been one of the most successful teams over a long period of time. They are a development club built from the ground up who represent a community centred around strong values.
“That’s what I see the Bulldogs as. There are values that have stayed here throughout time.
“Pep Guardiola talks about his cultural architects during that time and the role model behaviour he was looking for and I thought that’s what we needed to move forward.
“Guys that understand what your values are as a footy club and they ‘role model’ that so it’s not just the coaches talking about behaviour every day – those guys are living and breathing it. They were guys with the right character we wanted here and I think we have done a really good job with that.”
After finishing 15th last season, the former Panthers assistant has sparked life into a youthful side and has prioritised a love for the game in his outfit.
Players like Josh Curran, Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton and Jacob Preston have instilled a positive culture into the club, along with a never say die attitude.